Eccentric second connecting rod subassembly

ABSTRACT

A connection rod coupling assembly includes a settable shape mounting second component having a lateral, primary axis and a bearing assembly including a bearing assembly body. The bearing assembly body includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis. The bearing assembly body is coupled to the settable shape mounting second component in a non-aligned configuration. That is, the bearing assembly body center axis is offset from the settable shape mounting second component primary axis. Thus, the position of the bearing assembly body center axis is adjustable by repositioning the settable shape mounting second component relative to a settable shape mounting first component on a swing lever. The adjustment of the bearing assembly body, in turn, adjusts the range of the ram assembly and the ram assembly body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/933,258, filed Jul. 20, 2020, whichapplication is a divisional application and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/496,288, filed Apr. 25, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,744,550, issued Aug. 18, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a ram assembly and, moreparticularly, to a ram assembly structured to adjust the range of theram body through a die pack without substantially decoupling a number ofsubstantial components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a can, such as but not limited to an aluminum can or steelcan, begins as a sheet of metal from which a circular blank is cut.Hereinafter, the can will be described as being made from aluminum, butit is understood that the selection of material is not limiting upon theclaims. The blank is formed into a “cup.” As used herein, a “cup”includes a bottom and a depending sidewall. Further, while cups and theresulting can bodies may have any cross-sectional shape, the most commoncross-sectional shape is generally circular. Accordingly, while it isunderstood that the cups and the resulting can bodies may have anycross-sectional shape, the following description shall describe thecups, can bodies, punches, etc. as being generally circular.

The cup is fed into a bodymaker including a reciprocating ram and anumber of dies. The elongated ram includes a punch at the distal end. Acup is disposed on the punch and passed through the dies which thin andelongate the cup. That is, the ram moved between a rearward, firstposition and a forward, second position. On each forward stroke of theram, a cup is initially positioned in front of the ram. The cup isdisposed over the forward end of the ram, and more specifically on thepunch located at the front end of the ram. The cup is then passedthrough the dies which further form the cup into a can body. The firstdie is the redraw die. That is, a cup has a diameter that is greaterthan the resulting can. A redraw die reshapes the cup so that the cuphas a diameter generally the same as the resulting can body. The redrawdie does not effectively thin the thickness of the cup sidewall. Afterpassing through the redraw die, the ram moves through a tool pack havinga number of ironing dies. As the cup passes through the ironing dies,the cup is elongated and the sidewall is thinned. More specifically, thedie pack has multiple, spaced dies, each die having a substantiallycircular opening. Each die opening is slightly smaller than the nextadjacent upstream die.

Thus, when the punch draws the cup through the first die, the redrawdie, the aluminum cup is deformed over the substantially cylindricalpunch. As the cup moves through the redraw die, the diameter of the cup,i.e., the diameter of the bottom of the cup, is reduced. Because theopenings in the subsequent dies in the die pack each have a smallerinner diameter, i.e., a smaller opening, the aluminum cup, and morespecifically the sidewall of the cup, is thinned as the ram moves thealuminum through the rest of the die pack. The thinning of the cup alsoelongates the cup.

Further, the distal end of the punch is concave. At the maximumextension of the ram is a “domer.” The domer has a generally convex domeand a shaped perimeter. As the ram reaches its maximum extension, thebottom of the cup engages the domer. The bottom of the cup is deformedinto a dome and the bottom perimeter of the cup is shaped as desired;typically angled inwardly so as to increase the strength of the can bodyand to allow for the resulting cans to be stacked. After the cup passesthrough the final ironing die and contacts the domer, it is a can body.

On the return stroke, the can body is removed from the punch. That is,as the ram moves backwardly through the tool pack, the can body contactsa stationary stripper which prevents the can body from being pulledbackward into the tool pack and in effect removes the can body from thepunch. In addition to the stripper, a short blast of air may beintroduced through the inside of the punch to aid in can body removal.After the ram moves back to an initial position, a new cup is positionedin front of the ram and the cycle repeats. Following additionalfinishing operations, e.g., trimming, washing, printing, etc., the canbody is sent to a filler which fills the can body with product. A top isthen coupled to, and sealed against, the can body, thereby completingthe can.

One type of bodymaker includes a generally horizontal ram. That is, theram body extends, and moves, generally horizontally. In thisconfiguration, a first end of the ram body is coupled to a driveassembly and the punch is disposed at the second end. The formingoperations described above generally occur near, or at, the ram bodysecond end. To accomplish the forming operations, the die pack, domerassembly, cup feed assembly, stripper assembly, can body take-awayassembly as well as other elements are coupled to the bodymaker by aforward mounting assembly.

It is understood that due to the speed of the bodymaker and the narrowtolerances between the dies and the ram, the ram body must be preciselyaligned with the die pack. Similarly, other elements coupled to theforward mounting assembly must be precisely positioned relative to theother elements of the bodymaker. If not, the ram/punch will contact thedie pack, or other elements thereby damaging all the elements involvedin the impact.

Generally, the forward mounting assembly includes a cradle element intowhich the die pack is disposed. Two support arms are coupled to theforward end of the cradle element. The support arms support the domerassembly. To ensure that the cradle element is properly positionedrelative to the ram, the coupling surfaces, i.e., where the elements aremated, on the cradle element and the support arms are machined to havespecific dimensions. The installation of the cradle element on thebodymaker includes an alignment process. That is, the cradle element isinstalled and selected measurements are taken. If the cradle element isnot properly aligned, shims or similar constructs are installed at thecoupling surface. The measurements are retaken to determine if a properalignment has been achieved. If not, the alignment process is repeated.Typically, this alignment process is repeated many times before thecradle element is properly aligned. Once the cradle is installed, thesupport arms are also coupled to the cradle element. That is, themachined coupling surfaces of the support arms are coupled to themachined coupling surfaces of the cradle element. The installation ofthe support arms also requires an alignment process. Typically, thisalignment process is also repeated many times.

Further, it is known to alter the output characteristics of thebodymaker by replacing selected elements. For example, the size and/orshape of the can body made by the bodymaker are changed by exchangingselected forming elements, such as, but not limited to, the ram body andthe die pack. That is, the forming elements were replaced with anotherset of forming elements having, for example, a different diameter. Theexchange of the forming elements, in certain instances, also requiredthe replacement of non-forming elements. For example, forming elementsof different sizes required the adjustment of the range of the ram body.

In known bodymakers, adjusting the range of the ram body requiredreplacing a coupling shaft between a connecting rod and the ramassembly. That is, the drive assembly includes a rotating shaft or flywheel. A primary connecting rod operatively coupled the shaft/fly wheelto a pivoting, or rocking, swing lever. The swing lever was pivotallycoupled at a first end to the bodymaker frame. The primary connectingrod was movably, rotatably, or slidably, coupled to the medial portionof the swing lever. In this configuration, the movement of the primaryconnecting rod caused the swing lever to reciprocally pivot, i.e., rockback and forth, between a rearward, first position and a forward, secondposition. A secondary connecting arm was rotatably coupled to a swinglever second end as well as the ram assembly. As the swing leverreciprocated between the first and second position, the secondaryconnecting arm moved the ram between its first and second positions.

The swing lever second end defined a yoke. That is, the swing leversecond end includes two spaced yoke elements defining aligned openings.The secondary connecting rod also had a first end and second end whicheach defined an opening. A shaft was disposed through the swing leversecond end yoke as well as the secondary connecting rod first endopening. This shaft, as well as the openings, defined the connection rodcoupling assembly. The configuration of this connection rod couplingassembly affects the range of the ram body as it moves. For example, inone embodiment the connection rod coupling assembly shaft had a diameterof one inch and the ram body had a range (penetration beyond the end ofthe die pack) of four inches. If the connection rod coupling assemblyone inch shaft was replaced with a two-inch shaft, the range of the rambody would increase to four and a half inches. That is, the increase inthe connection rod coupling assembly shaft changes the final position ofthe ram body distal end relative to the die pack.

Further, the ram assembly was also rotatably coupled to the secondaryconnecting rod second end by another connection rod coupling assembly.That is, the ram assembly, and in an exemplary embodiment, a ramassembly carriage, defined a yoke having two spaced yoke arms withaligned openings. A shaft was passed through the ram assembly carriageyoke and the secondary connecting rod second end opening, therebyrotatably coupling the secondary connecting rod to the ram assembly.

The removal and replacement of the connection rod coupling assemblyshaft, along with bearings and other associated elements, is atime-consuming process that requires the bodymaker to be non-operationalfor an extended period of time. Further, if a bearing is damaged duringremoval of the connection rod, coupling assembly shaft, a completely newsecondary connection rod assembly is needed. This is a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed and claimed concept solves these problems and provides aconnection rod coupling assembly for a bodymaker. The bodymaker, and inan exemplary embodiment, the swing lever second end includes a settableshape mounting first component. The connection rod coupling assemblyincludes a settable shape mounting second component having a lateral,primary axis and a bearing assembly including a bearing body. Thebearing assembly body includes a substantially cylindrical outer surfaceand a center axis. The bearing assembly body is coupled to the settableshape mounting second component in a non-aligned configuration. That is,the bearing assembly body center axis is offset from the settable shapemounting second component primary axis. Thus, the position of thebearing assembly body center axis is adjustable by repositioning thesettable shape mounting second component relative to the settable shapemounting first component. The adjustment of the bearing assembly body,in turn, adjusts the range of the ram assembly and the ram body. Thus,the range of the ram assembly/ram body is adjusted without removing andreplacing the connection rod coupling assembly shaft. This solves theproblems stated above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a bodymaker.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a forward assembly.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a forward assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a forward assembly.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a forward assembly.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a forward assembly.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a unitary forward mounting assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a unitary forward mounting assembly.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a die pack mounting door assembly.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a die pack mounting door assembly.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a bodymaker.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a swing lever assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a swing lever assembly.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a swing lever assembly.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a connection rod coupling assembly.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a connection rod couplingassembly.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a connection rod coupling assembly.

FIG. 18 is a first isometric view of a swing lever.

FIG. 19 is a first isometric view of a swing lever.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a swing lever with settable shape mountinglugs disposed in a first orientation and a swing lever body first endpivotal coupling in a first orientation.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a swing lever with settable shape mountinglugs disposed in a second orientation and a swing lever body first endpivotal coupling in a first orientation.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a swing lever with settable shape mountinglugs disposed in a second orientation and a swing lever body first endpivotal coupling in a second orientation.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a method of installing a forwardassembly.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing another method of installing a forwardassembly.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a method of installing a die pack in adie pack mounting.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a method of adjusting the stroke range ofa bodymaker ram assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in thefigures herein and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided asnon-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used,embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting onthe scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

As described below, a bodymaker 10 includes an elongated reciprocationram assembly 12 and a domer assembly 18. As used herein, the domerassembly 18 is disposed at the “forward” end of the bodymaker 10. Asused herein, when the ram assembly 12 is adjacent the domer assembly 18,the ram assembly 12 is at the “forward” end of its stroke. As usedherein, the “rear” or “back” end of the bodymaker 10 is disposedopposite the “forward” end. Further, as used herein, the bodymaker 10has a “longitudinal” direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axisof the ram assembly body 30, described below, as well as a “lateral”direction that is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the“longitudinal” direction.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recitesstructure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to[verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to,and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element thatis merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is notintended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that twocomponents are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements arecoupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description,however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to asecond element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel,means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closerto the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, anobject resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not“coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwisemaintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on atable is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupledthereto.

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured tocouple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener”but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, thetongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled andare not a separate component.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled”means that one component is coupled with another component in anessentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled insuch a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy andwould not damage the components. For example, two components secured toeach other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e.,fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled”whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficultto access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to accessfastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more othercomponents prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component”is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first element(s) orassembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in amanner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without havingto decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, abook simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastenedto the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements orassemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and asecond position, or a first configuration and a second configuration,are coupled so that as the first element moves from oneposition/configuration to the other, the second element moves betweenpositions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element maybe “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural componentsare sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled witha minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to amember is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member maypass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. Thisdefinition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly”together. In that situation, the difference between the size of thecomponents is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. Ifthe element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into theopening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the openingmay even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into theopening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size,shape, and contours.

As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thinelement including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., theplanar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surfaceextending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein,it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposed planar surfaces.The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generallystraight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or becurved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in associationwith an element that moves, includes the space an element moves throughwhen in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “pathof travel” or “path.”

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to movingparts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion fromone position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in thedescribed position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “whenelement A moves to element A first position, element A engages elementB,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element Aengages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element Aeither engages element B while moving to element A first position and/orelement A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is,“operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that isstructured to move a movable or rotatable second component means thatthe first component applies a force sufficient to cause the secondcomponent to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contactwith a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, thescrewdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force isapplied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screwand “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied tothe screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw andcauses the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components,“operatively engage” means that one component controls another componentby a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created asa single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces thatare created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position andsecond position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its firstposition and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element orassembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves betweena number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the namedelement or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.”

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element,point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X]degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extendaround, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement orin a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in anapproximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindricalbody is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the centerthereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As usedherein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is aside that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to aheight line passing through the center. That is, generally, for acylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is the generallycircular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are the top andbottom of the soup can.

As used herein, the terms “can” and “container” are used substantiallyinterchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which isstructured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid;food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is notlimited to, beverage cans, such as beer and soda cans, as well as foodcans.

As used herein, “generally curvilinear” includes elements havingmultiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planarportions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed atangles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, a “contour” means the line or surface that defines anobject. That is, for example, when viewed in cross-section, the surfaceof a three-dimensional object is reduced to two dimensions; thus, aportion of a three-dimensional surface contour is represented by atwo-dimensional line contour.

As used herein, a “perimeter portion” means the area at the outer edgeof a defined area, surface, or contour.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to theterm being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant tothe term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

As used herein, “at” means on and near relevant to the term beingmodified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a can bodymaker 10 is structured to convert a cup 2into a can body 3. As described below, the cup 2 is assumed to besubstantially circular. It is understood, however, that the cup 2, aswell as the resulting can body 3 and elements that interact with the cup2 or can body 3, may have a shape other than substantially circular. Acup 2 has a bottom member with a depending sidewall defining asubstantially enclosed space (none shown). The end of the cup 2 oppositethe bottom is open. The can bodymaker 10, in an exemplary embodiment,includes a housing or frame assembly 11 (hereinafter “frame assembly”11) a reciprocating, elongated ram assembly 12, a drive mechanism 14, aredraw assembly 15, a die pack 16, a domer assembly 18, a cup feeder 20(shown schematically), a stripper assembly 22 (shown schematically), anda take-away assembly 24. As used herein, the die pack 16, a domerassembly 18, the cup feeder 20, the stripper assembly 22, and thetake-away assembly 24 are collectively identified as the “coupledcomponents” 26. That is, as used herein, “coupled components” 26 arethose elements and assemblies identified above and which are coupled,directly coupled, fixed, movably coupled, or temporarily coupled to theforward assembly 48, described below. The frame assembly 11 has aforward end 13. The drive mechanism 14 is coupled to the frame assembly11 and operatively coupled to the ram assembly 12. The drive mechanism14 is structured to, and does, impart a reciprocating motion to the ramassembly 12 causing the ram assembly 12 to reciprocate in a directiongenerally parallel to, or along, the longitudinal axis of the ramassembly 12.

As is known, the ram assembly 12, in an exemplary embodiment, includes anumber of elements, such as a guide assembly and cooling assembly (noneshown), that are not relevant to the present disclosure. For the purposeof this disclosure, elements of the ram assembly 12 include an elongatedram assembly body 30, a carriage 31, and a punch 38. That is, the ramassembly 12 includes an elongated, substantially circular body 30 with aproximal end 32, a distal end 34, and a longitudinal axis 36. The punch38 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the ram assembly bodydistal end 34. The ram assembly body 30 is coupled to the drivemechanism 14, as detailed below.

As is known, in each cycle the cup feeder 20 positions a cup 2 in frontof the die pack 16 with the open end facing the ram assembly 12. Whenthe cup 2 is in position in front of the die pack 16, a redraw assembly15 biases the cup 2 against a redraw die (not shown). The drivemechanism 14 provides a reciprocal motion to the ram assembly body 30causing the ram assembly body 30 to move back and forth along itslongitudinal axis 36. That is, the ram body 30 is structured toreciprocate between a retracted, first position and an extended, secondposition. In the retracted, first position, the ram assembly body 30 isspaced from the die pack 16. In the second, extended position, the ramassembly body 30 extends through the die pack 16. Thus, thereciprocating ram assembly 12 advances forward (to the left as shown)passing through the redraw assembly 15 and engages the cup 2. The cup 2is moved through the redraw die 42 and a number of ironing dies (notnumbered) within the die pack 16. The cup 2 is converted into a can body3 within the die pack 16. As the ram assembly 12 moves toward the firstposition, i.e., as the ram assembly 12 moves toward the drive mechanism14, the stripper assembly 22 removes the can body 3 from the punch 38.The stripper assembly 22 is structured to, and does, remove a can body 3from the punch 38 on the return stroke. The actuator piston is disabledso that the stripper fingers close around the punch 38 for stripping thecan body 3 from the punch 38. As shown in FIGS. 2-6 , the take-awayassembly 24, shown as a rotating turret 40, is structured to, and does,operatively engage the can body 3 once, i.e., essentiallysimultaneously, it is removed from the punch 38. The take-away assembly24 removes the can body 3 from the path of the ram assembly 12. It isunderstood that, as used herein, a “cycle” means the cycle of the ramassembly 12 which begins with the ram assembly 12 in the retracted,first position.

A forward assembly 48 includes the coupled components 26 and a unitaryforward mounting assembly 50. That is, a number of the coupledcomponents 26 are coupled to the bodymaker frame assembly 11 by theunitary forward mounting assembly 50. In an exemplary embodiment, theunitary forward mounting assembly 50 includes a unitary forward mountingbody 52. As used herein, a “unitary forward mounting body” is a unitarybody, as defined above that includes a mounting or a direct coupling forat least the die pack 16 and the domer assembly 18. In an exemplaryembodiment, the die pack mounting door assembly 82, stripper bulkheadassembly mounting 74, turret sub-assembly mounting 76, domer doorassembly mounting 72, and cup load station assembly mounting 78 are partof the unitary body 52.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forward mounting body 52includes a cradle portion 54, a first support arm portion 56 and asecond support arm portion 58. The cradle portion 54 includes a forwardside 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64, and a left side 66. The firstsupport arm portion 56 is disposed at the cradle portion right side 64.The second support arm portion 58 disposed at the cradle portion leftside 66. As used herein, a “cradle portion” 54 is a portion of a unitaryforward mounting body that is structured to support a die pack 16,discussed below. As used herein, a “first support arm portion” 56 is aportion of a unitary forward mounting body that is structured tosupport, or partially support, a domer assembly 18. As used herein, a“second support arm portion” 58 is a portion of a unitary forwardmounting body 52 that is structured to support, or partially support, adomer assembly 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forwardmounting body 52 is one of either a cast body or a printed body. As usedherein, a “cast unitary body” means a ductile, non-toxic, soft metalthat is a conductor of heat and electricity. That is, as used herein, a“cast body” defines the characteristics of the body and does notdescribe a “product by process.” In an exemplary embodiment, the unitaryforward mounting body cradle portion rear side 62, cradle portion 54,and support arm portions 56, 58 are a cast unitary body 52. As usedherein, a “printed body” means a body including a number of thin strata.That is, as used herein, a “printed body” defines the characteristics ofthe body and does not describe a “product by process.” It is noted thatbecause the unitary forward mounting body 52 is a unitary body, nomachined coupling surfaces exist between the various portions. Further,there is no need to couple the various portions to each other, or, toperform an alignment procedure for the various portions. Statedalternately, no shims are disposed between the cradle portion 54 andeither of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support armportion 58. This solves the problems stated above.

The unitary forward mounting body 52 includes one of, and in anexemplary embodiment, all of, a die pack mounting 70, a domer doorassembly mounting 72, a stripper bulkhead assembly mounting 74, a turretsub-assembly mounting 76 or a cup load station assembly mounting 78.Generally, each “mounting” 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 is structured to supportthe element or assembly used to modify the term “mounting.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the cradle portion 54 defines the die packmounting 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the die pack mounting 70includes an elongated, generally concave bed 80 (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and anelongated, movable door assembly 82 (FIGS. 9 and 10 , described in moredetail below). As used herein, a “die pack mounting bed” means a bodyhaving a contour, or a partial contour, structured to substantiallycorrespond to the outer contour of a die pack 16. That is, the “die packmounting bed” is shaped and contoured so that a die pack 16 can bedisposed on the bed in a single orientation. In an exemplary embodiment,the die pack mounting bed 80 includes orienting constructs 81 such asspacer mountings 83. That is, the die pack mounting 70, in an exemplaryembodiment, includes spacers (not shown) that are coupled, directlycoupled, or fixed to the die pack mounting bed 80 and which arestructured to orient the die pack 16 relative to the ram assembly 12.

The die pack mounting door assembly 82 is movably coupled to the diepack mounting bed 80 and moves between an open, first position, and aclosed, second position. When the die pack mounting door assembly 82 isin the first position, the die pack mounting 70 is substantially openand provides access to the die pack mounting bed 80. When the die packmounting door assembly 82 is in the second position, the die packmounting door assembly 82 is disposed over the die pack mounting bed 80.Further, when the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is in the secondposition, the die pack mounting 70 defines a generally cylindricalcavity 84 having an inner surface 86 that generally corresponds to theouter surface of the die pack 16. As described below, the die pack 16 isdisposed in and coupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to,the die pack mounting cavity 84. Stated alternately, the die pack 16 isdisposed in and coupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to,the cradle portion 54.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the cradle portion 54 defines anumber of internal cooling fluid passages 88. As described below, thecradle portion fluid passages 88 are in fluid communication with diepack mounting bed coolant passages 262, described below. In thisconfiguration, there is no need to have, thus there are no, hose inletcouplings in the cradle portion 54.

Before discussing the domer door assembly mounting 72, it is noted that,in an exemplary embodiment, the domer assembly 18 includes a generallyplanar mounting plate hereinafter identified as “domer assembly door”110 as well as a generally tubular housing assembly 112 (hereinafter“domer assembly housing” 112). The domer assembly housing 112 is open atone end (which faces the ram assembly 12) and closed at the other end(not numbered). As is known, the inner surface of the domer assemblyhousing 112 defines a convex dome (not shown). As shown, the domerassembly housing 112 extends through the domer assembly door 110 withthe axis of the domer assembly housing 112 generally perpendicular tothe plane defined by the domer assembly door 110. The domer assemblyhousing 112 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the domer assemblydoor 110 in this position. In an exemplary embodiment, the domerassembly door 110 includes a lateral, first coupling tab 114 and alateral, second coupling tab 116. The domer assembly door tabs 114, 116are disposed on the lateral sides of the domer assembly door 110 andinclude a coupling component such as, but not limited to, a passage (notshown) for a fastener or other coupling component 118 (hereinafter“domer assembly door coupling” 118).

With a domer assembly 18 and domer assembly door 110 in thisconfiguration, the first support arm portion 56 and the second supportarm portion 58 define the domer door assembly mounting 72. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 , the first support arm portion 56 and the second supportarm portion 58 extend from the cradle portion forward side 60 a distanceof between about 6.0 inches and 18.0 inches or about 12.0 inches. Thus,the first support arm portion 56 and the second support arm portion 58each have a proximal end 90, 92 (respectively) and a distal end 94, 96.Each support arm portion distal end 94, 96 defines a cavity 98, 100sized and shaped to correspond to an associated domer assembly door tab114, 116 (hereinafter “support arm domer assembly door cavity” 98, 100).That is, each support arm domer assembly door cavity 98, 100 isstructured to receive an associated domer assembly door tab 114, 116.Further, each support arm portion distal end 94, 96 defines couplingcomponents (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a threaded bore (notshown) that corresponds to the domer assembly door coupling 118. Thus,as described below, the first support arm portion 56 and the secondsupport arm portion 58 are structured to support the domer assembly door110 (FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and, as such, are, in this exemplary embodiment,the domer door assembly mounting 72. Thus, the domer assembly 18 iscoupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to, both the firstsupport arm portion 56 and the second support arm portion 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the stripper assembly 22 includes agenerally planar bulkhead member 120. The stripper assembly bulkheadmember 120 includes a number of coupling components such as, but notlimited to, passages through which a fastener or other couplingcomponent (neither shown) extends. For this embodiment, the unitaryforward mounting body 52 defines the stripper bulkhead assembly mounting74. That is, the stripper bulkhead assembly mounting 74 is, in anexemplary embodiment, a cavity 122 disposed at the cradle portionforward side 60 and extending between the first support arm portion 56and the second support arm portion 58. The stripper assembly 22, orparts thereof, are structured to, and do, fit within the stripperbulkhead assembly mounting cavity 122. The surfaces of the cradleportion forward side 60, the first support arm portion 56 and the secondsupport arm portion 58 that define the stripper bulkhead assemblymounting cavity 122 include coupling components, such as, but notlimited to threaded bores (not numbered). In this configuration, thestripper bulkhead assembly mounting 74 is unitary with the unitaryforward mounting body 52. As such, there is no need to couple thestripper bulkhead assembly mounting 74 to other components. This solvesthe problems stated above.

As described above, in one embodiment the take-away assembly 24 includesa rotating turret 40. The turret 40 must be disposed adjacent to thepath of travel of the ram assembly 12. Accordingly, in an exemplaryembodiment, the first support arm portion 56 defines the turretsub-assembly mounting 76. That is, the first support arm portion 56includes a substantially cylindrical surface 130, or a surface uponwhich a bearing (not shown) with a substantially cylindrical surface isdisposed. The rotating turret 40 includes a substantially cylindricalinner surface (not numbered). The rotating turret 40 is rotatablycoupled to the first support arm portion 56. In this configuration, theturret sub-assembly mounting 76 is unitary with the unitary forwardmounting body 52 and, as such, solves the problems stated above. Thatis, there is no need to couple and align the turret sub-assemblymounting 76 with the unitary forward mounting body 52 thereby solvingthe problems stated above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forward mounting body 52 alsoincludes a cup infeed housing plate 126. That is, the cup infeed housingplate 126 is unitary with the cradle portion 54. As before, the unitarynature of the unitary forward mounting body 52, including the cup infeedhousing plate 126, solves the problems stated above. That is, as a partof the unitary forward mounting body 52 there is no need to assemble andalign the cup infeed housing plate 126 thereby solving the problemsstated above. The cup infeed housing plate 126, in the embodiment shown,includes a generally planar member 128 disposed at the cradle portionrear side 62 and adjacent the redraw assembly 15. The plane of the cupinfeed housing plate planar member 128 is generally normal, i.e.,perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the ram assembly 12. The cupinfeed housing plate 126 is structured to, and does, support the cupfeeder 20. Thus, the unitary forward mounting body 52, and in thisembodiment the cup infeed housing plate 126, defines the cup loadstation assembly mounting 78.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forward mounting body 52 and anumber of the coupled components 26 are assembled as an “aligned forwardmodule” 150. As used herein, an “aligned forward module” means anassembly wherein a number of the coupled components 26 are coupled to,and aligned relative to a selected point on the unitary forward mountingbody 52. Further, the “aligned forward module” 150 is a specificconstruct and is not a construct made by a selected process. Further, asused herein, “aligned relative to a selected point on the unitaryforward mounting body” means that the number of the coupled components26 do not require further alignment relative to other elements of thebodymaker 10, including the ram assembly 12, after the unitary forwardmounting body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11. Additionally, asused herein, a “complete aligned forward module” 152 is similar to an“aligned forward module” 150 but the coupled components 26 include thedie pack 16, a domer assembly 18, the cup feeder 20, the stripperassembly 22, and the take-away assembly 24.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the bodymaker 10 includes the frameassembly 11, the ram assembly 12, the drive mechanism 14 and an alignedforward module 150. That is, the unitary forward mounting body 52 and anumber of coupled components 26 are configured as an aligned forwardmodule 150. The aligned forward module 150 is coupled, directly coupled,removably coupled, or fixed to the frame assembly forward end 13. It isunderstood that the aligned forward module 150 is aligned with the ramassembly 12 during installation. Thereafter, however, the number of thecoupled components 26 do not need to be, and therefore are not, alignedor adjusted to be aligned with the ram assembly 12 or any other elementof the bodymaker. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the alignedforward module 150 is a complete aligned forward module 152.

The forward assembly 48 is installed by different methods as describedbelow. The first disclosed method does not include an aligned forwardmodule 150. That is, in the first method detailed below, the unitaryforward mounting body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11 before anumber of the coupled components 26 are coupled thereto. The secondmethod disclosed below utilizes an aligned forward module 150.Initially, however, it is noted that the problems stated above aresolved by eliminating various steps required in the prior art. Thus, anumber of disclosed and claimed elements of the method include the lackof selected procedures. That is, as shown in FIG. 23 , the method ofinstalling a forward assembly 48 on a bodymaker frame assembly 11includes the following: providing 1000 a unitary forward mounting body52 including a cradle portion 54, a first support arm portion 56 and asecond support arm portion 58, wherein the cradle portion has a forwardside 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64, and a left side 66, the firstsupport arm portion 56 disposed at the cradle portion right side 64, andthe second support arm portion 58 disposed at the cradle portion leftside 66 (hereinafter, “providing 1000 a unitary forward mounting body52”), providing 1002 a number of coupled components 26 selected from thegroup including the die pack 16, a domer assembly 18, a cup feeder 20, astripper assembly 22, and a take-away assembly 24, coupling 1004 theunitary forward mounting body 52 to the bodymaker frame assembly 11,preparing 1006 the unitary forward mounting body 52 for mounting thecoupled components 26, coupling 1008 at least one of the coupledcomponents 26 to the unitary forward mounting body 52.

Coupling 1004 the unitary forward mounting body 52 to the bodymakerframe assembly 11 includes aligning 1010 the unitary forward mountingbody 52 relative to the ram assembly 12. Aligning 1010 the unitaryforward mounting body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12 includesinstalling 1012 a number of shims (not shown) between the bodymakerframe assembly 11 and the unitary forward mounting body 52. It is notedthat, in the prior art, a cradle (not shown) is coupled to the bodymakerframe assembly 11 and support arms (not shown) are coupled thereto. Suchsupport arms are aligned using shims or similar constructs. By providingthe unitary forward mounting body 52, however, the disclosed and claimedmethod does not include aligning elements thereof with shims. Thus,preparing 1006 the unitary forward mounting body 52 for mounting thecoupled components 26 does not include aligning the cradle portion 54and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support armportion 58 relative to each other. As used herein, any recitation of“does not include” means that the recited action does not occur eitheras part of the identified action or during any other action of theinstallation process. Thus, for example, “preparing 1006 the unitaryforward mounting body 52 for mounting the coupled components 26” doesnot include “aligning the cradle portion 54 and either of the firstsupport arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58 relative toeach other” means that at no time during the installation process arethe cradle portion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 orthe second support arm portion 58 aligned relative to each other.Similarly, coupling 1004 the unitary forward mounting body 52 to thebodymaker frame assembly 11 does not include installing any shimsbetween the cradle portion 54 and either of the first support armportion 56 or the second support arm portion 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forward mounting body 52includes a cup infeed housing plate 126. Thus, providing 1000 a unitaryforward mounting body 52 includes providing 1020 a unitary forwardmounting body with a cup infeed housing plate 126. In this embodiment,coupling 1004 the unitary forward mounting body 52 to the bodymakerframe assembly 11 does not include aligning the cradle portion 54 andthe cup infeed housing plate 126. Similarly, coupling 1004 the unitaryforward mounting body 52 to the bodymaker frame assembly 11 does notinclude installing any shims between the cradle portion 54 and the cupinfeed housing plate 126.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24 , the method of installing aforward assembly 48 on a bodymaker frame assembly 11 provides theforward assembly 48 as an aligned forward module 150 or as a completealigned forward module 152. In this embodiment, assembling an alignedforward module 150, as well as assembling the aligned forward module 150at a location that is remote from the bodymaker 10, solves the problemsstated above.

This embodiment includes the following: providing 2000 a unitary forwardmounting body 52 including a cradle portion 54, a first support armportion 56 and a second support arm portion 58, wherein the cradleportion has a forward side 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64, and aleft side 66, the first support arm portion 56 disposed at the cradleportion right side 64, and the second support arm portion 58 disposed atthe cradle portion left side 66 (hereinafter, “providing 2000 a unitaryforward mounting body 52”), providing 2002 a number of coupledcomponents 26 selected from the group including the die pack 16, a domerassembly 18, a cup feeder 20, a stripper assembly 22, and a take-awayassembly 24, preparing 2004 the unitary forward mounting body 52 formounting the coupled components 26, assembling 2006 an aligned forwardmodule 150, and coupling 2008 the aligned forward module 150 to thebodymaker frame assembly 11.

In this embodiment, assembling 2006 the aligned forward module 150includes providing 2020 an assembly cart 6 (shown schematically),positioning 2022 the aligned forward module 150 on the assembly cart 6,coupling 2024 at least one of the coupled components 26 to the unitaryforward mounting body 52, and aligning 2026 any of the coupledcomponents 26 relative to a reference location of the unitary forwardmounting body 52. It is noted that once the coupled components 26 arecoupled to, and aligned relative to a reference location of the unitaryforward mounting body 52, the unitary forward mounting body 52 and thecoupled components 26 form the aligned forward module 150. That is, itis understood that “aligning . . . relative to a reference location,” asused herein, means that the coupled components 26 are positioned sothat, when the unitary forward mounting body 52 is coupled to the frameassembly 11, the coupled components 26 are aligned with, or otherwiseproperly positioned relative to, the ram assembly 12. Further,assembling 2006 the aligned forward module 150 does not includeinstalling any shims between the cradle portion 54 and either of thefirst support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58.

As used herein, an “assembly cart” is a cart structured to support theunitary forward mounting body 52. In an exemplary embodiment, theassembly cart 6 includes a support mount 7 and a number of alignmenttools 8 (FIG. 2 , shown schematically). The assembly cart support mount7 is structured to support the unitary forward mounting body 52 in aninstallation orientation (i.e., the orientation of the unitary forwardmounting body 52 as it is coupled to the frame assembly 11). Theassembly cart alignment tools 8 are the tools required to align thecoupled components 26 in a desired alignment relative to a selectedpoint of the unitary forward mounting body 52.

Further, in one embodiment, coupling 2024 at least one of the coupledcomponents 26 to the unitary forward mounting body 52 includes coupling2025 all the coupled components 26 to the unitary forward mounting body52. In this embodiment, the aligned forward module 150 is a completealigned forward module 152.

Coupling 2008 the aligned forward module 150 to the bodymaker frameassembly 11 includes aligning 2010 the unitary forward mounting body 52relative to the ram assembly 12. Aligning 2010 the unitary forwardmounting body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12 includes installing2012 a number of shims (not shown) between the bodymaker frame assembly11 and the unitary forward mounting body 52. It is noted that, in theprior art, a cradle (not shown) is coupled to the bodymaker frameassembly 11 and support arms (not shown) are coupled thereto. Suchsupport arms are aligned using shims or similar constructs. By providingthe unitary forward mounting body 52, however, the disclosed and claimedmethods do not include aligning additional constructs with shims. Thus,aligning 2010 the unitary forward mounting body 52 relative to the ramassembly 12 does not include installing any shims between the cradleportion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the secondsupport arm portion 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary forward mounting body 52includes a cup infeed housing plate 126. Thus, providing 2000 a unitaryforward mounting body 52 includes providing 2030 a unitary forwardmounting body with a cup infeed housing plate 126. In this embodiment,preparing 2004 the unitary forward mounting body 52 for mounting thecoupled components 26 does not include aligning the cradle portion 54and the cup infeed housing plate 126. Similarly, preparing 2004 theunitary forward mounting body 52 for mounting the coupled components 26does not include installing any shims between the cradle portion 54 andthe cup infeed housing plate 126.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, assembling 2006 the aligned forwardmodule 150 occurs at a remote location. As used herein, a “remotelocation” is a location not adjacent the bodymaker frame assembly 11.That is, the aligned forward module 150 is assembled elsewhere, e.g., aworkroom. This means that the space around the bodymaker 10 is notoccupied with technicians assembling the unitary forward mounting body52 and the coupled components 26. This solves the problems stated above.Further, in this embodiment, assembling 2006 the aligned forward module150 includes transporting 2040 the aligned forward module 150 from aremote location to the bodymaker 10.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, die pack mounting 70 is structuredto provide a workspace wherein the die pack 16 is in a “maintenanceconfiguration.” As used herein, a “maintenance configuration” is when anelement or assembly is supported more than 38.0 inches above the flooror other substrate, and, wherein the element or assembly is generallyexposed, i.e., is generally not enclosed, so that a technician has easyaccess to most portions of the element or assembly. In an exemplaryembodiment, the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is movably coupled tothe die pack mounting bed 80 and is structured to, and does, movebetween an open, first position, wherein the die pack mounting doorassembly 82 is structured to support a die pack 16 in a maintenanceconfiguration, and, a closed, second position, wherein the die packmounting door assembly 82 fixes the die pack 16 in a selected position.Stated alternately, the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is movablebetween the first and second positions.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a bodymaker 10 has a “power take-off side” 200 andan “operator side” 202. Generally, workers are intended to work on the“operator side” 202 and not on the “power take-off side” 200 of abodymaker 10. The “power take-off side” 200 is the side of the bodymaker10 that includes a guarded flywheel or similar covered moving elements.The “operator side” 202 is the side of the bodymaker 10 that includesthe controls, displays, or other elements with which an operatorinteracts. The “power take-off” 200 and the “operator side” 202 are onopposite sides of a bodymaker 10 longitudinal axis that is coextensivewith the ram assembly 12 longitudinal axis. The names “power take-offside” 200 and “operator side” 202 are also applicable to other elementsof the bodymaker 10, e.g., the frame assembly 11 has a “power take-offside” 200 and an “operator side” 202.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 7 , the die packmounting bed 80 also has a “power take-off side” 210 and the “operatorside” 212. The die pack mounting bed 80 includes a die pack mountinghinge first component 220 disposed on the die pack mounting bed operatorside 212. As shown, the die pack mounting hinge first component 220 isdisposed on the upper side of the die pack mounting bed operator side212. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the die pack mounting door assembly 82includes a die pack mounting hinge second component 222 that isstructured to be, and is, movably/rotatably coupled to the die packmounting hinge first component 220. When coupled, the die pack mountinghinge first component 220 and the die pack mounting hinge secondcomponent 222 form a die pack mounting hinge assembly 224. The die packmounting hinge assembly 224 has an axis of rotation that is generallyparallel to the ram longitudinal axis.

In this configuration, when the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is inthe second position, the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is disposedon the die pack mounting bed operator side 212. That is, the die packmounting door assembly 82 is not disposed in the die pack mounting bedpower take-off side 210 and is positioned to be used as a workbenchstructured to support a die pack 16 prior to insertion into the die packmounting 70. That is, in this configuration, the die pack mounting doorassembly 82 is structured to support the die pack 16 in the maintenanceconfiguration. This solves the problems stared above.

In an exemplary embodiment, and when viewed along the ram assembly 12longitudinal axis, the die pack mounting 70 generally has a hexagonalshape. In this embodiment, the die pack mounting door assembly 82defines two sides of the hexagonal shape. That is, the die pack mountingdoor assembly 82 includes a body 230 with a generally planar, generallyrectangular first portion 232 and a generally planar, generallyrectangular second portion 234. The die pack mounting door assembly body230 also has a forward side 233 and a rear side 235. The die packmounting door assembly body 230 is, in an exemplary embodiment, aunitary body. The die pack mounting door assembly body first portion 232and the die pack mounting door assembly body second portion 234 share acommon longitudinal side. The planes of the die pack mounting doorassembly body first portion 232 and the die pack mounting door assemblybody second portion 234 are at an angle of about 60 degrees.

Further, the die pack mounting door assembly body 230 and the die packmounting door assembly body first portion 232 have an inner side 236 andan outer side 238 (that is, reference numbers 236 and 238, as usedherein, collectively identify the inner/outer sides of both the die packmounting door assembly body 230 and the die pack mounting door assemblybody first portion 232). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the die packmounting door assembly body first portion inner side 236 is the sidethat faces the die pack mounting bed 80, or generally downwardly, whenthe die pack mounting door assembly 82 is in the second position. Whenthe die pack mounting door assembly 82 is in the first position, the diepack mounting door assembly body first portion inner side 236 hasrotated about 180° degrees relative to the second position. Thus, whenthe die pack mounting door assembly 82 is in the first position, the diepack mounting door assembly body first portion inner side 236 facesgenerally upwardly and the plane of the die pack mounting door assemblybody first portion 232 is generally horizontal. As set forth above, inthis configuration, the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is structuredto support the die pack 16 in the maintenance configuration.

In an exemplary embodiment, the die pack 16 has an outer contour. Asused herein, the die pack 16 “outer contour” is the general contour ofthe bulk of the die pack 16 and does not include any localizedprotrusions or orienting features. In the embodiment shown, the die pack16 has a generally cylindrical outer contour. In an exemplaryembodiment, the at least one of the die pack mounting door assembly bodyinner side 236 or the die pack mounting door assembly body outer side238 includes a maintenance contour. As used herein, a “maintenancecontour” is a portion of the die pack mounting door assembly 82 shapedto substantially correspond to the die pack 16 outer contour. Further,as used herein, a “maintenance contour” excludes a substantially flat orplanar surface. Thus, if the die pack 16 outer contour is generallyflat, a “maintenance contour” includes a recess or cavity sized andshaped to correspond to the die pack 16 outer contour. Thus, when a diepack 16 is disposed on a “maintenance contour,” the die pack 16 ismaintained in position by gravity and lateral force cannot cause the diepack 16 to slide off the “maintenance contour.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the die pack mounting door assembly 82includes a resilient member 250. As shown, the die pack mounting doorassembly resilient member 250 is disposed on the die pack mounting doorassembly body inner side 236. Further, the die pack mounting doorassembly resilient member 250 defines the maintenance contour. Thus, forexample, if the die pack 16 outer contour is generally cylindrical, thedie pack mounting door assembly resilient member 250 defines amaintenance contour that is arcuate having a curvature thatsubstantially corresponds to the die pack 16 generally cylindrical outercontour. It is noted that, when the die pack mounting door assembly 82is in the second position, the die pack mounting door assembly resilientmember 250 is structured to, and does, bias the die pack 16 against thedie pack mounting bed 80 and any orienting elements such as spacers (notshown).

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the die pack mounting door assembly82 does not include any fluid fittings. As used herein, a “fluidfitting” is a coupling device structured to be coupled to a fluidconduit or hose. The die pack mounting door assembly 82, and, as shown,the die pack mounting door assembly body 230, defines a number ofcoolant passages 260. As is known, the die pack mounting door assemblybody coolant passages 260 are structured to provide fluid communicationto coolant passages (not shown) in the die pack 16. To avoid the use offluid fittings on the die pack mounting door assembly 82, the die packmounting bed 80 also defines a number of coolant passages 262 (FIG. 7 ).Each of the die pack mounting door assembly body coolant passages 260and the die pack mounting bed coolant passages 262 have an inlet 270 andan outlet 272. That is, reference number 270 and 272 genericallyidentify an inlet 270 or an outlet 272 for an associated coolant passage260, 262. Each die pack mounting door assembly body coolant passageoutlet 272 is disposed on the die pack mounting door assembly body innerside 236.

As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, a number of die pack mounting doorassembly body coolant passages 260 extend in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the die pack mountinghinge assembly 224. In this configuration, a number of the die packmounting door assembly body coolant passages inlets 270 are disposed ona surface of the die pack mounting door assembly body 230 that abuts thedie pack mounting bed 80. Further, a number of die pack mounting bedcoolant passages outlets 272 are positioned so that, when the die packmounting door assembly 82 is in the second position, each die packmounting bed coolant passages outlet 272 is in fluid communication withan associated die pack mounting door assembly body coolant passagesinlet 270. In this configuration, a coolant is able to flow through thedie pack mounting bed coolant passages 262, through the die packmounting door assembly body coolant passages 260 and into the die pack16 without passing through a fluid fitting on the die pack mounting doorassembly 82. This solves the problems noted above.

As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the die pack mounting doorassembly body coolant passages 260 are created by machining or drillinggenerally straight passages into the die pack mounting door assemblybody 230. In this configuration, the die pack mounting door assembly 82also includes machining portals 276. As shown, each die pack mountingdoor assembly machining portal 276 is sealed by a die pack mounting doorassembly plug 278. That is, the die pack mounting door assembly 82includes a number of plugs 278 and each plug 278 is disposed in anassociated coolant passage machining portal 276. It is understood thatthe use of other manufacturing techniques, such as, but not limited to,3D printing and a lost wax process, can create a die pack mounting doorassembly 82 without each die pack mounting door assembly machiningportal 276 (embodiment not shown).

Further, as shown in FIG. 25 , a method of installing the die pack 16 ina die pack mounting 70, or the bodymaker 10, includes providing 3000 abodymaker with a die pack mounting 70 including a die pack mounting bed80, a die pack mounting door assembly 82, the die pack mounting doorassembly 82 movably coupled to the die pack mounting bed 80, wherein thedie pack mounting door assembly 82 is movable between an open, firstposition, wherein the die pack mounting door assembly 82 is structuredto support a die pack 16 in a maintenance configuration, and, a closed,second position, wherein the die pack mounting door assembly 82 fixesthe die pack 16 in a selected position, providing 3002 a die pack 16,positioning 3004 the die pack mounting door assembly 82 in the firstposition, disposing 3006 the die pack 16 on the die pack mounting doorassembly 82, preparing 3008 the die pack 16 for installation, andinstalling 3010 the die pack in bodymaker 10. Further, installing 3010the die pack in bodymaker 10 does not include coupling fluid hoses tothe die pack mounting door assembly 82. As used herein, a “hose” is aconduit defined by a flexible body that is independent from otherelements of the bodymaker 10. That is, a conduit defined by a rigidelement of the bodymaker 10, such as, but not limited to the unitaryforward mounting body 52, is not a “hose.”

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly 12 is structuredto adjust the range of the ram assembly body 30, that is, the maximumpenetration of the ram assembly body 30 (or punch 38), through the diepack 16 without substantially decoupling a substantial number ofcomponents. That is, as used herein, the “range” of the ram assemblybody means the maximum penetration of the ram assembly body (or punch),through the die pack, i.e., how far the distal end of the ram assemblybody 30 (or the punch 38) moves past the end of the die pack 16. Thatis, as used herein, the “range” of the ram assembly body 30 does notmean the distance traveled by the ram assembly body as it reciprocates.

In this embodiment, elements of the drive mechanism 14 are alsoconsidered to be elements of the ram assembly 12. That is, as is known,the drive mechanism 14 includes a rotating element such as, but notlimited to an output shaft and/or a flywheel (not numbered). The ramassembly 12 includes a primary connection rod 300 (FIG. 1 ), anelongated swing lever 302 (it is noted that the swing lever 302 is anassembly, as discussed below), and a secondary connection rod 304(which, hereinafter, may also be identified as “connection rod” 304).The drive mechanism 14 is rotatably and operatively coupled to theprimary connection rod 300. The primary connection rod 300 is rotatablyand operatively coupled to the swing lever 302. The swing lever 302 ispivotally coupled to the frame assembly 11. That is, as shown in FIGS.12 , the swing lever 302 includes an elongated, unitary body 308(discussed in detail below) with a first end 310, a medial portion 312,and a second end 314. The swing lever 302 extends generally verticallywith the swing lever body first end 310 being the lower end. The swinglever body first end 310 is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly 11with the pivot coupling axis of rotation extending generallyperpendicular to the ram assembly body longitudinal axis 36. Thus, theswing lever body first end 310 defines a pivotal coupling 316. Theprimary connection rod 300 is rotatably and operatively coupled to theswing lever body medial portion 312. Thus, the swing lever body medialportion 312 defines a rotational coupling 317. As the primary connectionrod 300 moves, the primary connection rod 300 imparts reciprocalpivoting, or rocking, motion to the swing lever 302. That is, the swinglever 302 moves between a retracted, first position and a forward,second position.

The swing lever body second end 314 defines a yoke 319 with two alignedopenings that are a rotational coupling 320. That is, as used herein, a“yoke” means a construct including two spaced elements, each of whichincludes an opening and wherein the openings are aligned about a commonaxis. In an exemplary embodiment, the swing lever body second end yoke319 includes a first lateral tine 322 and a second lateral tine 324,each having an opening 326, 328, respectively (hereinafter “swing leverbody second end yoke openings” 326, 328).

The secondary connection rod 304 includes a body 330 with a first end332 and a second end 334. Each of the secondary connection rod bodyfirst and second ends 332, 334 define an opening, 336, 338,respectively. The ram assembly carriage 31 also defines a yoke with twoaligned openings, that are a rotational coupling 340 (FIG. 1 ) as wellas a ram assembly body mounting 342. The swing lever body second end 314is rotatably, and operatively, coupled to the secondary connection rodfirst end 332 by a first connection rod rotational coupling assembly350, hereinafter “connection rod coupling assembly” 350. Similarly, thesecondary connection rod second end 334 is rotatably, and operatively,coupled to the ram assembly carriage 31 by a second connection rodrotational coupling assembly 350A. The following description discussesthe connection rod coupling assembly 350 between the swing lever bodysecond end 314 and the secondary connection rod first end 332. It isunderstood, however, that the same description is applicable to thesecond connection rod coupling assembly 350A between the secondaryconnection rod second end 334 and the ram assembly carriage 31. It isfurther understood that the various secondary connection rod openings336, 338 and the yoke openings 320, 340 are also part of the connectionrod coupling assemblies 350, 350A.

The second connection rod coupling assembly 350A is structured to, anddoes, adjustably couple the ram assembly 12 to the drive mechanism 14.As used herein, “adjustably couple” means that the range of the ramassembly body 30 can be altered without substantially decoupling anumber of substantial components. As used herein, “without decoupling anumber of substantial components” means that the elements coupled by thesecond connection rod coupling assembly 350A are not fully decoupled;i.e., the bearing assembly 372, discussed below, is not fully removedfrom the secondary connection rod 304.

The swing lever body second end 314 further defines a settable shapemounting first component 360 at the yoke 319. As used herein, a“settable shape mounting [] component” means a mounting includingcomponents with “rotatably congruent shapes.” As used herein, “rotatablycongruent shapes” means shapes that can be rotated less than 360 degreesabout an axis and appear the same as the original orientation. Forexample, an equilateral triangle in a first orientation can be rotated120 degrees about its center to a second orientation which appears thesame as the first orientation. All “rotatably congruent shapes” have acenter. In an exemplary embodiment, the settable shape mounting firstcomponent 360 includes a number of cavities 362 each with a rotatablycongruent shape. In an embodiment, the settable shape mounting firstcomponent 360 is part of yoke 319, and the settable shape mounting firstcomponent cavities 362 are disposed about the swing lever body secondend yoke openings 326, 328. Stated alternately, each swing lever bodysecond end yoke openings 326, 328 has an associated settable shapemounting first component cavity 362. The settable shape mounting firstcomponent cavities 362, in an exemplary embodiment, are shallow relativeto the swing lever body second end yoke openings 326, 328. The settableshape mounting first component 360, in addition to being part of theswing lever body second end 314, is also part of the connection rodcoupling assembly 350.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15-17 , the connection rodcoupling assembly 350A also includes a settable shape mounting secondcomponent 370 and a bearing assembly 372. The settable shape mountingsecond component 370 includes a lateral, primary axis 374. As usedherein, a “lateral, primary axis” is a line extending horizontally andperpendicular to a line that extends parallel to the ram assembly bodylongitudinal axis 36, and, through the center of the settable shapemounting second component 370. The bearing assembly 372 includes a body380 having a substantially cylindrical outer surface 382 and a centeraxis 384. The bearing assembly body center axis 384 is offset relativeto the settable shape mounting second component primary axis 374. Asused herein, “offset” means generally parallel to, but not on the sameline. Further, an “offset” element that is structured to be positionedin different configurations relative to another element is an“eccentric” element. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the bearingassembly 372 is structured to be positioned in different configurationsrelative to the swing lever body second end 314 and, as such, is an“eccentric” element. Further, it is understood that the settable shapemounting first component 360 and the settable shape mounting secondcomponent 370 have corresponding rotatably congruent shapes. That is, ifthe settable shape mounting first component 360 is a triangle, then thesettable shape mounting second component 370 is also a triangle.

In this configuration, the bearing assembly body 380 is structured to bepositioned in different locations relative to the settable shapemounting first component 360. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, thesettable shape mounting first and second components 360, 370 have a “+”shape. In this configuration, the settable shape mounting secondcomponent primary axis 374 is at the vertex of the crossed lines.Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the bearing assembly body 380 isdisposed adjacent the distal tip of one of the lines. Thus, the bearingassembly body center axis 384 is not aligned with the settable shapemounting second component primary axis 374. Further, in a firstorientation, the bearing assembly body 380 is disposed at the uppermosttip of the “+” shape. The settable shape mounting second component 370can be rotated ninety degrees so the bearing assembly body 380 isdisposed at the leftmost tip of the “+” shape. Thus, the position of thebearing assembly body 380 is structured to be, and is, “set” relative tothe settable shape mounting second component primary axis 374. Thus, asused herein, to “set” means that the position of an element, e.g., thebearing assembly body 380, is selectable relative to another element,e.g., the settable shape mounting second component primary axis 374.Thus, as used herein, “settable” means structured to be “set.”

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the swing lever body second end 314defines a yoke 319, the settable shape mounting first component 360includes two settable shape mounting first component first cavities 362;one on each side of the yoke. Thus, there is a settable shape mountingfirst component first cavity 362A and a settable shape mounting firstcomponent second cavity 362B with one cavity disposed on each side ofthe swing lever body second end 314, i.e., one cavity 362A, 362B isdisposed on each branch of the yoke. In this embodiment, the settableshape mounting second component 370 includes a first lug 390 and asecond lug 392 (collectively “settable shape mounting lugs” 390, 392).Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the settable shape mounting lugs390, 392 are generally planar. In this embodiment, the plane of eachsettable shape mounting lug 390, 392 extends generally parallel to theram assembly body longitudinal axis 36.

Further, the connection rod coupling assembly 350 is under stress whenthe bodymaker 10 is in operation. As such, thin, extending elements,such as the branches of a “+” shaped rotatably congruent shape are morelikely to contend with wear and tear; this is a problem. Accordingly, inan exemplary embodiment, the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392 areregular convex polygons such as, but not limited to, triangles, squares,pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, and decagons. Such shapessolve the problem of wear and tear on thin elements. As stated above,the settable shape mounting first component cavities 362 correspond tothe shape of the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392; thus, thesettable shape mounting first component cavities 362 are shaped asregular convex polygons such as, but not limited to, triangles, squares,pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, and decagons. It isunderstood, and as used herein, the “shape” of a mounting lug 390, 392and a settable shape mounting first component cavity 362 means thecross-sectional shape of the element in a plane perpendicular to thedirection in which a mounting lug 390, 392 is inserted into the settableshape mounting first component cavity 362.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , the connectionrod coupling assembly 350 includes two octagonal, generally planarsettable shape mounting lugs 390, 392 that are disposed in a spacedrelationship by a bearing mounting 400. That is, the settable shapemounting second component 370 includes a bearing mounting 400. In thisembodiment, the bearing mounting includes, in an exemplary embodiment, afirst portion 402 and a second portion 404. The settable shape mountingsecond component bearing mounting first portion 402 is an elongated,generally cylindrical member 406. The longitudinal axis of the bearingmounting first portion cylindrical member 406 extends generallyperpendicular to the plane of the settable shape mounting first lug 390.The settable shape mounting second component bearing mounting secondportion 404 is also an elongated, generally cylindrical member 408. Thelongitudinal axis of the bearing mounting second portion cylindricalmember 408 extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the settableshape mounting second lug 392. The bearing assembly body 380 isrotatably coupled to the bearing mounting 400.

That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the settable shape mounting secondcomponent bearing mounting first portion 402 defines a passage 410, and,the settable shape mounting second component bearing mounting secondportion 404 defines a threaded bore 412. Further, the settable shapemounting second component 370 includes a threaded fastener 414. Thethreaded fastener 414 is disposed partially in the settable shapemounting second component bearing mounting first portion passage 410 andthreaded into the settable shape mounting second component bearingmounting second portion threaded bore 412. Thus, the settable shapemounting lugs 390, 392 are coupled by the settable shape mounting secondcomponent fastener 414. Further, the bearing assembly body 380 iscoupled, or rotatably coupled, to the settable shape mounting secondcomponent bearing mounting 400. That is, before the settable shapemounting lugs 390, 392 are coupled by the settable shape mounting secondcomponent fastener 414, the bearing assembly body 380 is disposed overthe settable shape mounting second component bearing mounting firstportion 402 and/or the settable shape mounting second component bearingmounting second portion 404.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20-22 , the swing leverbody first end pivotal coupling 316 also includes an eccentric axle orbearing assembly 377. That is, the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling 316 is shown with a non-settable shape mounting first component371, i.e., a substantially circular lug 373. It is understood that thesubstantially circular lug 373 has a center 375. Further, the swinglever body first end pivotal coupling 316 includes a bearing assembly377 that is offset, or eccentric, relative to the circular lug center375. That is, the swing lever body first end pivotal coupling bearingassembly 377 has a longitudinal axis that is offset, or eccentric,relative to the circular lug center 375.

In this configuration, the location of the bearing assembly body 380 isstructured to be, and is, adjustable relative to a specific point on theswing lever 302. That is, as shown in FIGS. 20-22 , the settable shapemounting lugs 390, 392 and the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling 316 are selectably oriented relative to the swing lever 302. InFIG. 20 , the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392 are oriented so thatthe bearing assembly 372 is disposed to the left (as shown). Conversely,as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392are oriented so that the bearing assembly 372 is disposed to the right(as shown). It is understood that with the settable shape mounting lugs390, 392 in other orientations, the bearing assembly 372 would be indifferent positions. Further, the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling 316 is also selectably oriented relative to the swing lever302. In FIGS. 20 and 21 , the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling 316 is oriented so that the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling bearing assembly 377 is disposed to the left (as shown). InFIG. 22 , the swing lever body first end pivotal coupling 316 isoriented so that the swing lever body first end pivotal coupling bearingassembly 377 is disposed to the right (as shown). Further, as designatedon FIGS. 20-22 , the ram stroke, i.e., the distance the ram assemblybody 30 travels relative to a fixed point on the frame assembly 11,e.g., the center of the axle of the drive mechanism 14 (as shown),changes depending upon the orientation(s) of the connection rod coupling350 and the swing lever body first end pivotal coupling bearing assembly377.

Thus, as set forth above, the swing lever body second end 314 isrotatably, and operatively, coupled to the secondary connection rodfirst end 332 by the connection rod coupling assembly 350. As such, theposition of the bearing assembly body 380 relative to the swing leverbody second end 314 changes the range of the ram assembly body 30. Thatis, if the die pack 16 is disposed to the left in FIGS. 20-22 , thenwhen the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392 are oriented so that thebearing assembly 372 is disposed to the left (FIG. 22 ), the ramassembly body 30 will have a first range. Conversely, when the settableshape mounting lugs 390, 392 are oriented so that the bearing assembly372 is disposed to the right (FIG. 20 ), the ram assembly body 30 willhave a second range that is different, and in this instance, less than,the first range.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26 , a method of adjusting the strokerange of a bodymaker ram assembly includes, providing 4000 a bodymakerincluding a reciprocating swing lever including a pivoting, first endand a moving, second end, the swing lever second end including asettable shape mounting first component, a ram assembly including anelongated ram assembly body, a carriage, and a connection rod, the ramassembly body including a distal end, the carriage, the carriageincluding a rotational coupling and a ram assembly body mounting, theram assembly body fixed to the carriage ram assembly body mounting, theconnection rod including a first end and a second end, the connectionrod first end including a first rotational coupling, the connection rodsecond end including a second rotational coupling, the connection rodsecond end second rotational coupling rotatably coupled to the carriagerotational coupling, a connection rod coupling assembly, the connectionrod coupling assembly including a settable shape mounting secondcomponent, and a bearing assembly, the settable shape mounting secondcomponent having a lateral, primary axis, the bearing assembly includinga bearing assembly body, the bearing assembly body including asubstantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis, wherein thebearing assembly body center axis is offset relative to the settableshape mounting second component primary axis, the connection rodcoupling assembly adjustably coupling the connection rod first end firstrotational coupling to the swing lever second end, and, adjusting 4002the stroke distance of the ram assembly body without decoupling a numberof substantial components.

In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting 4002 the stroke distance of theram assembly body without decoupling a number of substantial componentsincludes decoupling 4010 the settable shape mounting first and secondcomponents, rotating 4012 the settable shape mounting second componentrelative to the settable shape mounting first component, and recoupling4014 the settable shape mounting first and second components. That is,in the embodiment described above and assuming the connection rodcoupling assembly 350 is in an operation, or installed, configuration,adjusting 4002 the stroke distance of the ram assembly body withoutdecoupling a number of substantial components to adjust the range of theram assembly body 30 includes the following. The settable shape mountingsecond component fastener 414 is loosened 4020, i.e., loosening thesettable shape mounting second component fastener 414, but not decoupledfrom the threaded bore 412, the settable shape mounting lugs 390, 392are moved 4022 out of the associated settable shape mounting cavities362, the settable shape mounting second component 370 and a bearingassembly 372 are rotated 4024 to a different orientation, and thesettable shape mounting second component fastener 414 is tightened 4026.Thus, at no time is the bearing assembly body 380 decoupled from theswing lever 302. This method solves the problems stated above.

As noted above, the swing lever 302 is an assembly (and is alsoidentified herein as a “swing lever assembly 302”). In an exemplaryembodiment, and as discussed above, the swing lever assembly 302includes an elongated, unitary body 308 with a first end 310, a medialportion 312, and a second end 314. The swing lever assembly 302 alsoincludes a cooling system 450 and a number of bearings 452. In thisembodiment, the swing lever assembly 302 includes a limited number ofcomponents. That is, a “limited number of components” means less thansixty components and sub-assemblies. This limited number of componentsreduces the number of components and sub-assemblies that need to bemanufactured and maintained and solve the problems noted above. Further,as used herein, the elements and subassemblies used to couple the swinglever assembly 302 to other elements of the bodymaker are included inthe swing lever assembly 302 and are identified as “installationcomponents.” The “installation components” include couplings, bearings452, spacers, shims, and excludes the swing lever body 308 and elementsof the cooling system 450. In an exemplary embodiment, there are a“limited number of installation components.” As used herein, a “limitednumber of installation components” means less than fifty installationcomponents and sub-assemblies. Further, in another exemplary embodiment,the installation components do not include shims.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12-14 , the swing leverassembly body 308 defines two sides, a first sidewall 440 and a secondsidewall 442, as well as a lateral wall 444. The swing lever assemblybody lateral wall 444 extends from, and between, the perimeters of theswing lever assembly body first and second sidewalls 440, 442. In thisconfiguration, the swing lever assembly body lateral wall 444 maintainsa space between the swing lever assembly body first and second sidewalls440, 442. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the swing lever assemblybody 308 is generally hollow. The swing lever assembly body lateral wall444 includes a primary connection rod portal 446 and a secondaryconnection rod portal 448. The primary connection rod portal 446 issized to allow the primary connection rod 300 to pass therethrough andtravel over its path of motion when the bodymaker 10 is in use.Similarly, the secondary connection rod portal 448 is sized to allow thesecondary connection rod 304 to pass therethrough and travel over itspath of motion when the bodymaker 10 is in use.

The swing lever assembly body first end 310 defines a brace 456. Thatis, the swing lever assembly body first end is generally solid betweenthe collar bodies 464, discussed below. The swing lever assembly bodyfirst end brace 456, however, further defines coolant passages 458structured to allow a coolant fluid, and in an exemplary embodiment, acoolant liquid, to pass through the swing lever assembly body first endbrace 456 to the inner surface of the collar bodies 464.

In an exemplary embodiment, the swing lever body first end pivotalcoupling 316 includes a number of elongated collars 460, 462(hereinafter “swing lever body first end pivotal coupling collars” 460,462). That is, the swing lever assembly (unitary) body 308 includeselongated tubular bodies 464 (hereinafter “collar bodies” 464) thatextend generally horizontally and generally laterally. Further, pivotbearings 470 are disposed in each collar body 464. Each pivot bearing470 includes a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The frameassembly 11, or the drive mechanism 14, includes substantiallycylindrical axle lugs (not shown) that are sized and shaped tocorrespond to the inner surface of the pivot bearings 470. The swinglever assembly 302 is pivotally coupled to the other elements of thebodymaker 10, and/or the frame assembly 11, when the axle lugs aredisposed in the pivot bearings 470 and the swing lever assembly body 308is structured to pivot between the retracted, first position and aforward, second position.

The swing lever assembly body medial portion 312 defines a yoke 480.That is, the swing lever assembly body medial portion 312 includes twoopenings 482, 484 that are disposed on the swing lever assembly bodyfirst and second sidewalls 440, 442. The swing lever assembly bodymedial portion yoke openings 482, 484 are part of the swing lever bodymedial portion 312 rotational coupling 317. The swing lever assemblybody medial portion yoke openings 482, 484 are generally horizontallyaligned. The swing lever assembly body medial portion yoke 480 isstructured to be, and is, rotatably coupled to the primary connectionrod 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the swing lever assembly 302includes a primary connection rod bearing 486 that is disposed in theswing lever assembly body medial portion yoke 480 and which is furthercoupled to the primary connection rod 300.

The swing lever assembly body medial portion 312 further includesinternal support collars 490. As used herein, and in reference to theswing lever body 308, “internal” means within the hollow space definedby the unitary swing lever body 308. That is, the swing lever assemblybody medial portion 312 includes collars 490 disposed about the swinglever assembly body medial portion yoke openings 482, 484. The swinglever assembly body medial portion support collars 490 are structuredto, and do, substantially center the primary connection rod bearing 486between the swing lever assembly body first and second sidewalls 440,442.

The swing lever assembly body second end 314 also includes internalsupport collars 500. That is, the swing lever assembly body second end314 includes collars 500 disposed about the swing lever assembly bodysecond end portion yoke opening 326, 328. The swing lever assembly bodysecond end support collars 490 are structured to, and do, substantiallycenter the connection rod coupling assembly bearing assembly 372 betweenthe swing lever assembly body first and second sidewalls 440, 442.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connection rod coupling assembly for abodymaker, the bodymaker including a reciprocating swing lever, theswing lever including a pivoting first end and a moving second end, theswing lever second end including a settable shape mounting firstcomponent, the connection rod coupling assembly comprising: a settableshape mounting second component having a lateral, primary axis andincluding a first lug and a second lug that have regular convex polygonshapes; a bearing assembly including a bearing assembly body; thebearing assembly body including a substantially cylindrical outersurface and a center axis; and the bearing assembly body center axis isoffset relative to the settable shape mounting second component primaryaxis.
 2. The connection rod coupling assembly of claim 1 wherein saidswing lever second end settable shape mounting first component includesa first and second settable shape cavities, and wherein: each the firstlug and the second lug are shaped to correspond to an associatedsettable shape cavity.
 3. The connection rod coupling assembly of claim2 wherein the first lug and the second lug have mirrored shapes.
 4. Theconnection rod coupling assembly of claim 2 wherein the first lug andthe second lug are planar.
 5. The connection rod coupling assembly ofclaim 4 wherein the first lug and the second lug have octagonal shapes.6. The connection rod coupling assembly of claim 2 wherein: the settableshape mounting second component includes a bearing mounting; thesettable shape mounting second component bearing mounting includes agenerally cylindrical outer surface; the settable shape mounting secondcomponent bearing mounting extending between the first lug and thesecond lug; and the bearing assembly body coupled to the settable shapemounting second component bearing mounting.
 7. The connection rodcoupling assembly of claim 2 wherein: the first lug and said second lugare planar; the settable shape mounting second component bearingmounting includes a generally cylindrical first portion and a generallycylindrical second portion; the settable shape mounting second componentbearing mounting first portion extending from, and generallyperpendicular to the plane of the first lug; and the settable shapemounting second component bearing mounting second portion extendingfrom, and generally perpendicular to the plane of the second lug.
 8. Theconnection rod coupling assembly of claim 7 wherein: the first lug andthe settable shape mounting second component bearing mounting firstportion define a passage; the settable shape mounting second componentbearing mounting second portion defines a threaded bore; the settableshape mounting second component includes a threaded fastener; the firstlug and the second lug coupled by said settable shape mounting secondcomponent fastener; and the bearing assembly body coupled to thesettable shape mounting second component bearing mounting.
 9. Abodymaker comprising: a reciprocating swing lever including a pivotingfirst end and a moving second end; the swing lever second end includinga settable shape mounting first component; a ram assembly including anelongated ram assembly body, a carriage, and a connection rod; the ramassembly body including a distal end; the carriage including arotational coupling and a ram assembly body mounting; the ram assemblybody fixed to the carriage ram assembly body mounting; the connectionrod including a first end and a second end; the connection rod first endincluding a first rotational coupling; the connection rod second endincluding a second rotational coupling; the connection rod second endsecond rotational coupling rotatably coupled to the carriage rotationalcoupling; a connection rod coupling assembly, the connection rodcoupling assembly adjustably coupling said connection rod first endfirst rotational coupling to the swing lever second end, the connectionrod coupling assembly: a settable shape mounting second component havinga lateral, primary axis and including a first lug and a second lug thathave regular convex polygon shapes; a bearing assembly including abearing assembly body; the bearing assembly body including asubstantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis; and thebearing assembly body center axis is offset relative to the settableshape mounting second component primary axis; and wherein the ramassembly body distal end is disposed a selected distance from said swinglever second end.
 10. The bodymaker of claim 9 wherein said swing leversecond end settable shape mounting first component includes a first andsecond settable shape cavities, and wherein: each the first lug and thesecond lug are shaped to correspond to an associated settable shapecavity.
 11. The bodymaker of claim 10 wherein the first lug and thesecond lug have mirrored shapes.
 12. The bodymaker of claim 10 whereinthe first lug and the second lug are planar.
 13. The bodymaker of claim12 wherein the first lug and the second lug have octagonal shapes. 14.The bodymaker of claim 10 wherein: the settable shape mounting secondcomponent includes a bearing mounting; the settable shape mountingsecond component bearing mounting includes a generally cylindrical outersurface; the settable shape mounting second component bearing mountingextending between the first lug and the second lug; and the bearingassembly body coupled to the settable shape mounting second componentbearing mounting.
 15. The bodymaker of claim 10 wherein: the first lugand said second lug are planar; the settable shape mounting secondcomponent bearing mounting includes a generally cylindrical firstportion and a generally cylindrical second portion; the settable shapemounting second component bearing mounting first portion extending from,and generally perpendicular to the plane of the first lug; and thesettable shape mounting second component bearing mounting second portionextending from, and generally perpendicular to the plane of the secondlug.
 16. The bodymaker of claim 15 wherein: the first lug and thesettable shape mounting second component bearing mounting first portiondefine a passage; the settable shape mounting second component bearingmounting second portion defines a threaded bore; the settable shapemounting second component includes a threaded fastener; the first lugand the second lug coupled by said settable shape mounting secondcomponent fastener; and the bearing assembly body coupled to thesettable shape mounting second component bearing mounting.
 17. A methodof adjusting the stroke range of a bodymaker ram assembly comprising:providing a bodymaker including a reciprocating swing lever including apivoting first end and a moving second end, said swing lever second endincluding a settable shape mounting first component, a ram assemblyincluding an elongated ram assembly body, a carriage, and a connectionrod, said ram body including a distal end, said carriage including arotational coupling and a ram assembly body mounting, said ram bodyfixed to said carriage ram assembly body mounting, said connection rodincluding a first end and a second end, said connection rod first endincluding a first rotational coupling, said connection rod second endincluding a second rotational coupling, said connection rod second endsecond rotational coupling rotatably coupled to said carriage rotationalcoupling, a connection rod coupling assembly, said connection rodcoupling assembly including a settable shape mounting second component,and a bearing assembly, said settable shape mounting second componenthaving a lateral, primary axis and including a first lug and a secondlug that have regular convex polygon shapes, said bearing assemblyincluding a bearing assembly body, said bearing assembly body includinga substantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis, whereinsaid bearing assembly body center axis is offset relative to thesettable shape mounting second component primary axis, said connectionrod coupling assembly adjustably coupling said connection rod first endfirst rotational coupling to said swing lever second end; and adjustingthe stroke distance of said ram assembly body without decoupling anumber of substantial components.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinadjusting the stroke distance of said ram assembly body withoutdecoupling a number of substantial components includes: decoupling saidsettable shape mounting first and second components; rotating saidsettable shape mounting second component relative to said settable shapemounting first component; and recoupling said settable shape mountingfirst and second components.